Filling is one of the oldest applications for decaying teeth. Dental caries is one of the oral and dental health problems that people have been trying to cope with for centuries. Today, the decaying tooth can also be successfully repaired by filling method.
If the tooth that starts to decay is not repaired with filling, the decay progresses and can lead to tooth loss. Anyone who notices tooth decay should make a dentist appointment and have the necessary intervention done. Dental filling is the first intervention before the decay progresses.
Dental filling is not only done for caries. In cases where the form and shape of the tooth is distorted for any reason, it is also corrected with filling. After the decay or fracture in the tooth is cleaned correctly, the remaining gaps are filled with the appropriate filling material and the tooth is tried to be restored.
Today, there are different materials used in tooth filling. A good dental filling does not only eliminate the appearance of decay and fracture. Fillings that have a certain lifespan should have a structure that prevents the formation of caries again over time.
When choosing the filling material, the expectations of the individual should be taken into consideration as well as the tooth structure. A good dentist makes the most accurate dental filling in a short time by considering this balance. In this way, the teeth regain their former function and function.
What are the Types of Tooth Filling?
Since dental filling is one of the oldest applications, the material material used has also changed over time. Although the techniques used in filling have not changed, developing technological possibilities have offered us various types of fillings. It is possible to list these filling types as amalgam, composite and porcelain filling.
Amalgam fillings are among the oldest types of dental fillings containing mercury. They are also known as silver fillings. It has been used for a long time due to its economy. Since it contains mercury and heavy metals, it is found objectionable for health and is not used in most clinics. Since it has a feature that can handle pressure, it has been used frequently in the back teeth.
Composite fillings are also known as radiant filling or aesthetic filling. It is a plastic alloy containing silicon dioxide. After they are made, they are hardened with the help of UV light. It is a type of filling that produces successful results for the front teeth with aesthetic concerns. They may be inadequate in deep caries. Most clinics still offer this type of filling to their patients.
Porcelain fillings are high-priced but effective performance products. They are used where other fillings are insufficient. It is a filling method used in patients who need crown application in their teeth. The impression is taken and the filling coating is prepared in the laboratory environment, so it is more durable and aesthetic.
Things to Consider After Tooth Filling
The tooth filling, canal treatments process can be completed within 30-40 minutes. Patients can return to their normal lives in a short time. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be conscious about the things to be considered after tooth filling. Patients may feel short-term sensitivity and tingling. In order to minimise this, it is necessary not to eat or drink anything until the numbness disappears after the filling process. It is also important that the tooth reaches the ideal hardness. While irradiated fillings do not cause problems at this point, it is necessary not to consume food for 1-2 hours for amalgam fillings. In case of infected cases, it is necessary to use the medications given by the physician during and after the filling process. Dental fillings performed with local anaesthesia are applications that can be used in a short time. The life of a dental filling made with the right methods varies according to the material used. While composite fillings last up to ten years, this period may exceed fifteen years for amalgam fillings. Dental health should be taken into consideration in every period of life and help should be sought from a specialist physician, especially at the onset of caries.
